Entercom has announced an exclusive multiyear radio broadcast partnership extension with the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. As part of the extension, 97.1 The Ticket will remain the flagship station of both teams, airing play-by-play for all regular season and postseason games.
Dan Dickerson and Ken Kall, the voices of the two teams, joined the morning show on Tuesday to discuss the good news.
"First and foremost, I want to say that it's been a great partnership over the years, and I think consistency is the key," said Kal, who's been calling games for the Red Wings since 1995. "Red Wings fans and Tigers fans all know that when they want to hear the game, they go to 97.1 The Ticket."
"It's not just the people on the air, but the support staff and the sales department," said Dickerson, voice of the Tigers since 2003. "These things are important and everybody works very hard to make this is a good product and make sure that the listenership is as big as possible -- and that means a lot."
The extension with 97.1 The Ticket comes at a time when both teams are on the rise. The Tigers brought several of their top prospects to the majors last summer and this offseason hired World Series winning manager AJ Hinch.
"They're going to be a postseason contender within two years, I don't think there's any question about that. I really, strongly believe that," said Dickerson. "Who's going to win first, the Red Wings or Tigers? I hope both are a quick race. I see a lot of parallels in the two, where both organizations are right now."
The Red Wings, likewise, have a bright future with Steve Yzerman at the helm.
"I really like what they did in the offseason. I really believe they're headed in the right direction, Steve Yzerman has had two really dynamic drafts. Will it change overnight? Probably not, but they should be better than they were a year ago and they're pushing forward," said Kal.
In addition to game broadcasts, the partnerships, which first began in 2001, will feature entertainment and promotional opportunities across Entercom's entire portfolio in Detroit, including WWJ News Radio 950, ALT 98.7, 104.3 WOMC and 99.5 WYCD.
"The Tigers and Red Wings are two of the best sports partners in the business, and the Ilitch family and their organization have been a major part of the comeback of Detroit," said Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Detroit. "We're thrilled to continue our relationship with these two local powerhouses and remain as the go-to home for both franchises' fanbases, delivering year-round content that our listeners crave."
"We are extremely pleased to extend our partnership with Entercom Detroit, ensuring loyal Red Wings and Tigers fans have unmatched access to their favorite teams, athletes, and personalities," said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. "97.1 The Ticket does an incredible job of engaging sports fans in metro Detroit on a daily basis, and we are thrilled to bring Red Wings hockey and Tigers baseball to fans across the great state of Michigan through Entercom's extensive radio networks, unique behind-the-scenes podcasts, and exciting live events."
Listeners can tune in to 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit on air, as well as nationwide on the RADIO.COM app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
